Amazon Game Studios has announced a delay for the upcoming Tomb Raider title, Catalyst, shifting its release from its initial unspecified launch year to 2028. This adjustment follows a similar delay for another game in the series, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, which was previously slated for 2026 and is now expected on February 12, 2027.
Both Legacy of Atlantis and Catalyst were revealed at the 2025 Game Awards, marking significant entries in the long-running Tomb Raider franchise under Amazon's stewardship. The confirmation of Catalyst's new 2028 release window came from Jeffrey Gattis, Amazon's head of gaming, during an interview with The Game Business. While the exact reasons for the delay were not explicitly stated, it was mentioned in the context of Amazon's broader strategy for its cloud gaming service, Luna.
Gattis outlined Amazon's ambition to establish Luna as a destination for a diverse range of games, from smaller "Game Night" titles to ambitious AAA productions. He highlighted the Tomb Raider games as key components of this content strategy. "We want to build an identity with Luna, where we have a content portfolio that resonates with people, where they think, ‘Oh gosh, that’s the place that has Tomb Raider, and maybe Bond, and they have these other things,’" Gattis stated, emphasizing the importance of original content for the platform's growth.
The community's reaction to the delay appears to be one of understanding, with many players prioritizing a polished final product over a rushed release. The postponement of Catalyst, alongside the revised date for Legacy of Atlantis, suggests a strategic approach by Amazon, Crystal Dynamics, and Flying Wild Host to ensure the quality of these high-profile titles. The additional time may allow for further refinement and development, mitigating potential risks of releasing unfinished games and ultimately benefiting the Tomb Raider brand.